GIVEAWAY ALERT! Details below….

Newborn babies!  Wondrous little things, but boy are there a lot of things to keep track of (especially difficult when functioning on no sleep, and breastfeeding so no java to perk up the brain…ah, the memories!).  I remember my hubby making an Excel spreadsheet with our first (yes, he’s THAT guy), just to keep track of the feedings, sleeping and the ever-asked-about diaper output.  With our 2nd they sent us home with a few worksheets stapled together.  Worked alright, but we were forever misplacing it and so our documentation was a bit, um…sporadic, to say the least.  If I’d had Aunt LaLa’s Log from RosieBear, there’d have been less scramble and more logging!

This baby journal is superb for tracking all of those basics that the pediatrician (and your mother, mother-in-law and nosy friends that really seem to like to talk about baby poop) will ask you about.  They come in a fabulously hip selection of prints, and there’s also a twins version available.  Along with some basic info in the front, including a place for tracking weight, you have 90 days worth of charts for tracking your wee one’s input and output, along with any other miscellaneous event you’d like to track.  Make sure to take it to the hospital and I’m sure the nurses will be impressed!

Aunt LaLa’s Log is the perfect supplement to that gigundous baby book you’ll try ever so hard to keep up-to-date, and makes the perfect gift for expectant parents.  Nice and compact, it will fit perfectly in that sexy new diaper bag….

Mamasigner : Deena Wachtel :: www.rosiebear.com

Mama Log Readers receive 10% off ! Just enter the site here and use code ‘MAMALOG′ during check-out (must enter the site via the special link in order to receive the discount!).

So how would you like to win this Aunt LaLa’s Log?  Just send an email to contests @ themamalog.com (no spaces) with ‘La La La!’ in the subject line.  Entries must be received by midnight PST, Fri., June 12.

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GIVEAWAY ALERT! Details below….

Ah Springtime.  A time for new life, a time for babies!  With a new puppy about to enter our family, I’m all about the ‘babies’ right now (hey, I’m all done having human babies, so this is how I’m getting my fix!).  So over the next few weeks we’ll be featuring some great goodies for the babes!

This week I’m raving about the Baby Dipper.  Genius invention from a very smart Mama!  The Baby Dipper is a uniquely designed bowl that allows you to feed your babe with one hand (or your grown-up toddler to feed herself) without the bowl sliding onto the floor.  In my experience those suction-types don’t work too well for very long, but the weighted, non-slip bottom of the Dipper is fabulous!  And the slope of the bowl allows for easy scooping by either party…no more chasing the applesauce around the bowl (or flipping it OUT of the bowl).

The Baby Dipper is Pthalate and lead-free.  Washes easily and works well with all of our various plastic baby spoons.  Babygirl (should that be ‘Toddlergirl’ now?) has been loving this bowl…and I’ve been loving that mealtime is much less messy, and MUCH less frustrating for her.  Outstanding for all of the saucy foods, yogurt and the occasional ice cream.  And I think this will be perfect for traveling…have you ever tried to feed a wee one with a jar of food sliding around that airline tray???

Barbara really has a gem on her hands.  Leave it to a mom of TWO sets of twins to envision something that makes life with babies a bit easier!!!  I just wish we’d had this with my big boy and when babygirl was, well, a baby.

Mamasigner : Barbara Schantz :: www.babydipper.com

Mama Log Readers receive 10% off ! Just enter code ‘MAMALOG5′ during check-out.  Can be used once per person for the purchase of up to 5 sets at 10% off.  Offer expires May 31, 2009.

So how would you like to win your very own Baby Dipper?  Just send an email to contests @ themamalog.com (no spaces) with ‘Dip me, baby!’ in the subject line.  Entries must be received by midnight PST, Wed., May 20.

CONGRATULATIONS TO PATTI, WINNER OF OUR BABY DIPPER GIVEAWAY!

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Oh, is this a find.  And I mean FIND.  I’m so tickled with this I could squeak (and I have…husband thinks I’m very silly, but he’s pretty tickled about it, too).

This is the ultimate, special gift, be it for you and yours, that someone that is impossible to buy for, grandparents, anniversary…and definitely the Mother’s Day gift of all Mother’s Day gifts.  I’m talking about a painting from Dare Wenzler of Lincoln Art Studio.

Have a special picture that is so awesome it needs to be more than just a printed photograph?  Dare takes your snapshot, transfers it to a stretched canvas and then works her magic by overpainting and/or overdrawing using various mediums and layers over the image, bringing depth and artistry to the picture.

Dare is one incredibly talented mama, as she took a poor-quality image that was near and dear to us and made it into a piece of art that completely preserves that wonderful moment (that’s not ours shown, but how freaking cute is that baby???).  It will be professionally framed and displayed prominently in our home.  LOVE. IT.

Mamasigner : Dare Wenzler :: www.lincolnparkstudio.com

If you’re ordering for Mother’s Day, makes sure to get your order in by 4.21.09!!!

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The land ‘o blogs can be a funny place.  And by funny, I mean FUNNY…there are some amazing writers out there, and they remind us that this crazy Momdom we live in is a funny place (in hindsight, most of the time!).  And we gain so much information, reading about other peoples’ lives, their likes and dislikes, products they use, crazy things their kids do (and irritating things their husbands do…).  Even though we don’t KNOW these people whose lives we follow, through their words and pictures, there’s a camaraderie to us.  We laugh with each other, we defend each other against the ‘trolls’, we share good finds, blast our hubbies and sometimes,  sometimes, we grieve together.

My biggest fear in life is outliving my children.  It’s absolutely the most unnatural thing ever to happen to a person, I’m convinced of it.  To even begin to think about it makes my heart physically ache, and the tears come.  And so sadly, this week a lovely mama and her husband are facing just that.  Heather and Mike unexpectedly lost their precious little girl, sweet little Maddie….

And my heart aches, and I cry.

Many have blogged about it being difficult to explain to other folks in their lives how they ‘know’ these ‘friends’, people that yes, we only know through the world of the URL, and why we grieve so much for someone we don’t ‘know’.  No, I didn’t KNOW this family.  In fact I only came across her blog recently.  But I do know them in that I’m a parent, and I know what they’re going through is worse than any of us that haven’t gone through it can imagine.  This we ALL know.  All it takes is a moment, a millisecond, to even think about it happening to you…and you know.

The Spohrs site is overwhelmed with people trying to get on and share their thoughts, prayers and condolences.  It’s an amazing outpouring.  Though I think we all know that there’s nothing anyone can do to ease this unspeakable loss, I think we can hope that the show of support, thoughts and prayers let them know that we’ve heard their screams of anguish, if only in our own hearts, we hear them and we grieve for them.  Maddie’s sweet little smile affected many people before, and I suspect will continue to now, even though she’s gone.  There’s a lot of people that know that dammit! this shouldn’t happen.  And it didn’t happen to you or to me, but it could.  It could.

Now go and get your kids, and hug them and love them…breathe them in.

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In lieu of flowers, the Spohrs have asked that donations be made to the March of Dimes. You can also help by clicking on the banner below….

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Previously these ’spotlights’ were shared in our weekly-turned-monthly newsletters.  These spotlights will now be available directly on the Log, along with special tML discounts that can also be found in the newly-renovated MamaShop Directory.  Unless otherwise stated, I haven’t personally shopped from or had the pleasure of trying out the spotlighted vendors’ wares.  Strictly sharing the scoop directly from the Shop!

Owner :: Asher Richter

Website :: www.WeegoBaby.com

tML Reader Discount :: 5 % discount for tML readers for the month of April.  If ordering online, use code ML40109, or mention tML in the store to receive the discount.

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“Weego Baby was created as a compliment to our mother store, Weego Home - where modern and stylish doesn’t have to be serious. Your child’s space should be a retreat comprised of color, pattern, and amusement. We offer an eclectic arrangement of products so that you can pick the essentials for your unique baby. You can also feel comfortable knowing that the Weego stores are committed to providing safe, sustainable, reliable products.

We carry everything from cribs, changers, and rockers, to bottle drying racks and diaper bags.  We opened up in October 2008 in Santa Monica, California.  We also have our website that sells our items and furniture pieces nationwide.

Thank you for taking a look at Weego Baby!“

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(That’s French for ‘artist’…)

I’ve been a big fan of Lisa at Munchkin Designs for a while now.  She comes up with the best gift ideas for rugrats and those with rugrats.  During the December holidays we featured her Night Before Christmas Kit, and Lisa had the coolest Valentines goodies around.  Shouldn’t have been surprised that she’d come up with something equally cool for Easter!

The Little Artist Easter Basket has received the big thumb’s-up from my Kindergartner (unfortunately for me, he snuck in when I was opening the package, thus ruining my chance of saving it for ye olde Easter basket).   Lisa has taken her very popular Little Artist Frame Kit and Eastered it up.  Is that paint can not the best (I’m hoping to steal, er, borrow it for myself!)?  Inside each paint can you’ll find a color-your-own frame, colored pencils, crayons, paints, Pak Nak, 2 lollipops and 4 fun eggs full of treats (our Ladybug looooooooved the ladybug egg).

You can certainly use this as a basket all on it’s own.  There’s a wee bit of room to add a few more special things or treats, or you could always prop the lid next to it to add a bigger item like a stuffed animal.  We use the same gigundous baskets each Easter, so had my boy not foiled my plan, it would have been the centerpiece of his basket….

So hurry and hippity-hop over (sorry, couldn’t resist) to Munchkin Designs and get yours ordered, as quantities are limited!  Last day to order in time for Easter is April 6.

Mamasigner : Lisa Komer :: www.munchkindesigns.com

Mama Log Readers receive $5 off the Little Artist Easter Basket! Just enter code ‘THM0409′ during check-out.

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Aaaahh Spring.  It’s almost here.  I know to many people, Spring represents new life - trees and plants slowly showing new growth, baby animals born, warmer weather and more opportunities for playing and exercising outdoors (read:  kids go OUTSIDE which in itself is a new life for Mom!) and a time to clean up, clean out and reorganize house, home and life.  That’s just what I’m getting ready to do.

Last year I did a bit of a ‘State of the Log Address’ for the Log’s one-year anniversary.  Changed a few things that I thought would make things more streamlined for both you the reader and myself the writer.  And it did help.  But I’ve come to a crossroads once again, and this time the changes will be a bit bigger.

When I began this blog, it was not to join the masses of  ‘Mommy Bloggers’.  I knew there were many of those, not to mention many that are written by absolutely fabulous writers,  and thought what the heck do I have to say that anyone would be interested in taking time out of their life to read?  But I knew I felt strongly about getting the word out about WAHM indie designers and the many wonderful things they design that I love, and it seemed to be a niche that hadn’t really been focused on to great extent.   I think I’ve accomplished that, and hope to continue doing so!

The problem I’m running into is Time.  Good ole Time, she’s such a fickle thing.  And like a great bottle of expensive wine that you didn’t pay for, there’s just never enough of her.  Though I pondered it briefly, I’ve realized that shutting down the Log is just not something I want to do, but I do need to make it fun again, and not something that feels closer to a chore that is hanging over my laptop while I do my ‘real’ job and take care of my family.  I’ve been a tad stuck in what I though the format of the Log should be, but thanks to some awesome mamas (fabulous bloggers all) I’ve seen the way to a new Mama Log.

Not to worry…the main priority of the Log is still to get the word out on the Mamasigners as always.  But rather than attempting to stay on a rigid schedule (which wasn’t working  on several levels) I’m going to casual it up a bit ’round here.  Interspersed with the product reviews there will be sales and promotional announcements from MamaShops (which will do away with a newsletter completely, at least for the time being), as well as some random blogging by yours truly which will be open to comments.  I’m hoping this will fun things up a bit by getting more of a conversation going between us!

The look of the Log will change a bit, adding some things and taking some away.  But I promise, still the Log that you love, but hopefully with some added benefits.  So do me a solid and stay tuned, and feel free to comment below letting me know what you think, or shoot me an email…always love to hear from you guys!

And a quick and special thanks to the mamas that helped me work this out in my ever-scattered brain…you know who you are, and you ROCK.  I’ve never thought myself a writer, still don’t, but I’m crazily humbled by your support and words of encouragement.

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Witty knits, says you?  Why, yes!  I love a soft, cotton knit on my kiddos…not only is it comfortable, but no ironing needed (the iron and I are not on speaking terms most of the time).  But all knits are not created equal.  They have to have the stamina to withstand a messy toddler and an active kindergartner, not to mention the constant washing and drying.  And they need to FEEL good.  Luckily, we’ve discovered some awesome, ‘intelligent’ knits recently that meet our needs, so read on and start planning for Spring-wear….

Our first discovery was Rattled. Katie and Kristen’s line of organic, mix-and-match basics spoke to my need for uber-soft, brightly-colored, easy-wear knits for babygirl.  12 gloriously fun colors and 6 comfortably cute styles, and they are a nice, thick, 100% organic cotton.  And you know organic is smart!  We also loved that fact that Rattled donates 10% of its annual profits to children in need.  Smart x2.

We then found the very unique offerings from Baby’s Language. A Log reader had actually mentioned the wonderful Twin Sets to me a while back (I’m not a big dress-twins-identically kind of gal, but those ‘We Connect’ sets are awesome), so I was thrilled when Lisa contacted me!  The concept behind these tees is very cool:  after having an ‘A-HAH!’ moment, realizing that her baby really was ‘talking’ to her with her various coos, she went hunting for baby-talk tees, only to come up empty-handed.  Thus Baby’s Language was born!  Each shirt a translation of all of those glorious yet befuddling baby sounds.  If that’s not witty, I don’t know what is!  Several color options, the white being 100% organic cotton.  Smart all the way around.  And we love our “Ahhh Taata” tee, translation being “Relax” ( a necessary reminder for a Mom sometimes).

And lastly but not leastly are the very fun, customized tees from Bug & Goose!  Yes, we are always big fans of personalized goodies as a way to express me-ness, but we love that these tees are made entirely here in the U.S. of A.  Smart, right?  The gals at Bug & Goose (4 mamas!) have created a line that’s sure to make your Bug or Goose stand out and feel special.  And you can create the shirt together…choose style, color, personalization and coordinating fabric.  Fun AND smart.  These ladies also carry a great line of safe, educational toys, games and accessories (including my son’s favorite card game…Slamwich is an award-winner for very good reason).  Love us some Bug & Goose!

All of these tees have done very well through wearings and washings (wouldn’t recommend them otherwise), have been well-loved by our testers and received mucho compliments.  Not that we have our children wear things specifically for that reason, but, you know….

Mamasigner : Lisa Santos :: www.babyslanguage.com

Mama Log readers receive 15% off all orders!  Enter code ‘mamalog’ during check-out.  No expiration!

Mamasigners : Jacy, Ellen, Rosemary and Cindi :: www.bugandgoose.com

Mama Log readers receive 10% off of all orders.  Enter code ‘mamalog10′ during check-out.  Offer expires March 7, 2009.

Mamasigner : Katie Winburn :: www.shoprattled.com

Free shipping for orders over $50!  No code needed.

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Not trying to smoosh your this-year-I-swear-I’ll-get-fit resolution, but with a round of candy-centered days coming up (Valentines, Easter and I’ve Had a Bad Day and Need Sugar), I have to share a superbly sweet find…pun intended.

I’ve turned into quite the candy snob, particularly when it comes to chocolate.  The darker and finer, the better (and hey, it’s got some great anti-oxidants, so I can justify it much more easily nowadays).  But I also have a weakness for really good caramel.  Yes, there is such a thing as fine caramel.  And some of the best I’ve tried is from Have It Sweet Confections!

We put a shout-out for folks’ favorite Mamasigner treats, and Beth and Vincent (a husband and wife team) and their yummies came highly recommended.  After browsing the shop, they had me at “…using the freshest local butter and cream and imported Belgian dark chocolate”.  My taste buds were treated to a sampler of the Fleur de Sel and Mayan Chocolate Caramels.  Both spoke to me as I love a little salt with my caramel, and a little spice with my chocolate.  And both are absolutely delicious…my buds couldn’t have been happier!

Besides the fact that Beth and Vincent make such wonderfully tasty confections, I love that all of their products are freshly handmade in individual batches, using all-natural, organic ingredients with no preservatives or coloring.  And you know I’m digging that all of their packaging is eco-friendly (also very cute…perfect for gift-giving)…the entire operation is environmentally friendly, thus, ‘Confections for a Cause’!

Mama-and-Papasigner : Beth and Vincent :: haveitconfections.etsy.com

Make sure to take a peek at the new Caramel & Marshmallow Sampler, shown above.  The marshmallows are a new line for the shop, and this sampler is a fabulous way of trying these newbies AND their fabulous caramels at a great price!!!

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I couldn’t think of a better way to start off our round of V-Day gifts than with something that sparkles, and Robin Dalmiras Jewelry is one of my latest loves! This mamas’ designs are fresh and modern, while speaking to the nature-lover in me.  She prints things like flowers, birds and mehndi designs onto her pieces in a way that is subtle and beautiful and extremely now.  Many of Robin’s designs incorporate semi-precious stones and wonderful little extras that really add oomph to the piece… even her closures are gorgeous!  You can just tell that a lot of thought (and talent!) goes into every single piece Robin designs.

And have I mentioned that she’s a total sweetheart of a mama?  Robin is always working on new designs, and more than happy to help with a custom piece.  She describes her line as “…cool, modern, everyday wearable pieces that are affordable…fresh, fun and can be worn for a night out or everyday wear”.   I agree completely.  The only trouble you’ll have at Robin’s shop is choosing what NOT to put on your wishlist….

Mamasigner : Robin Dalmiras :: robindalmiras.etsy.com

Mama Log readers receive free First Class shipping on purchases of $25 or more and free Rriority shipping with a purchase of $50 or more.  Just mention the Mama Log in the ‘Note to Seller’ during check-out!

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